Collapsible container

ABSTRACT

A portable swimming pool includes a base having a perimeter; a side wall erected upright, the side wall including a top and a bottom, and the bottom of the side wall coupled to the perimeter of the base; and a floatation device coupled to the top of the side wall, the floatation device adapted to cause the side wall to remain approximately perpendicular relative the base in a generally vertical orientation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/956,066, filed 15 Aug. 2007, theentire contents and substance of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate to collapsible containersand, more particularly, to a ring swimming pool.

Portable swimming pools, or kiddie pools, are known. A firstconventional pool of this type is formed from molded plastic, whichpermanently takes on the shape of a small, portable swimming pool. Thesepools exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and consumers are able tochoose the specific portable pool that suits their particular needs.

One problem associated with these types of portable pools is that theyare cumbersome. Because the pools often have an awkward size and shape,they are difficult to transport, as they can be larger than manyvehicles. Thus, to transport one of these items, a consumer musttypically strap it to the roof of a vehicle, or if the pool is toolarge, the purchaser must make arrangements for oversized vehicletransport. Moreover, such pools are difficult and awkward to handle orcarry even for short distances.

In addition to the problem with transporting these conventional portablepools, they are generally so large that they are difficult to store. Infact, among certain consumers, they have become disposable due to thedifficulties of storage. Oftentimes consumers, for example, can purchaseone of these portable pools at the beginning of the summer swimmingseason, and simply discard it during the colder months when it wouldotherwise need to be stored. This practice, however, is viewed by manyas wasteful, and is preferably avoided.

Another problem with conventional molded plastic portable pools is thatthey are easily breakable. Because of this problem, the difficulty instoring such items is exacerbated as they can not easily be bent ormanipulated without the risk of breaking the item. Additionally, becauseof the manner in which children play in and around a portable pool, thefact that they are easily breakable is highly undesirable because itcould potentially cause or contribute to injuries.

A conventional pool is illustrated in FIG. 1, which is a side,cross-sectional view of a conventional quick-set swimming pool. Theconventional quick-set swimming pool 5 includes a base 10, a side wall20, and a rising ring 30. The swimming pool 5 is generally formed byjoining the base 10, along its perimeter 12, to the erected side wall 20at or near a first edge or bottom 22 of the side wall 20. The side wall20 is angled, such that it is not perpendicular to the base 10.Specifically, the side wall 20 slants at an angle inwardly toward thecenter of the swimming pool 5, i.e., the side wall 20 has an acute anglerelative to the base 10.

To setup the conventional quick set swimming pool 5, the edge of theside wall 20 that is not joined to the base 10 (i.e., the top) can havethe rising ring 30 coupled thereto. The rising ring 30 can comprise avariety of different elements capable of aiding the transformation ofthe swimming pool from a collapsed configuration to an expandedconfiguration by erecting the side wall 20. For example, the rising ring30 can be a floating device that floats on the water in the swimmingpool 5, causing the side wall 20 to rise as more water is inserted inthe swimming pool 5. When the swimming pool 5 reaches fluid capacity,the ultimate shape of the pool is that as shown in FIG. 1, such that theside wall 20 is slanted inwardly. Unfortunately, this angled side wall20 can compromise the integrity and stability of the side walls, andthus is not desired.

SUMMARY

It would be desirable to develop a portable pool that exhibits theportability of an inflatable pool, but which does not require the sametime and energy expenditure, or presents the same storage difficulties,as an inflatable pool, and which possesses the ability to be usedimmediately, such as a molded pool. It would be desirable that such aportable, storable pool be relatively robust, and not be easily broken,or otherwise damaged.

Briefly described, embodiments of the present invention relate to acollapsible container, which are both portable and robust, and whichexhibit ease of use. Specifically, embodiments of the invention providea collapsible swimming pool that can also be used as a differentcontainer and exhibits the portability and ease of storage of aninflatable or portable pool without the need for a great expenditure oftime and/or energy prior to use, such as the difficulties that mightgenerally be associated with an inflatable pool. Additionally, theswimming pool is configured to be used immediately, without any need forappreciable set-up time or significant energy. Moreover, the swimmingpool is relatively robust, and is not easily broken, punctured, torn, orotherwise damaged, as is the case with conventional pools.

The pool will be described as incorporating a side wall, as described inan exemplary embodiment comprises a circular-shaped pool having but asingle side, but it can be implemented to include more than one side.Further, the side wall of the pool is approximately perpendicular to abase, such that the side wall does not slant inwardly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, afloatation device (which can be inflatable) can be positioned at the toprim of the collapsible pool. The floatation device can provide paddingfor those entering and exiting the pool, and can also provide a mannerby which the pool changes from a collapsed to an expanded configurationwith the addition of water within the pool. For instance, the floatationdevice can rise as the water level rises due to its buoyant properties,extending the material connecting the top of the pool, thereby erectingthe side walls of the pool.

The side wall of the pool, when compared to the conventional quick setswimming pool, is inside-out. As a result, the floatation device ispositioned over the fluid in the pool, as well as within the perimeterof the side wall, rather than outside the perimeter; moreover, the sidewall is preferably approximately perpendicular relative the base and hasa generally vertical orientation, rather than being slanted.

The swimming pool further can comprise a plurality of portholes in theside wall of the pool. A porthole is a through-space window-likeopening. The porthole enables one to see the inside of the pool fromoutside the pool, and can include a variety of shapes. The material ofthe porthole is transparent enabling inside the pool to outside thepool, and/or inside the pool to outside the pool viewing. Conversely,the material of the side wall is opaque.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, supports such as vertical ribsupports or frames, can be coupled proximate to the side wall of thepool. For example, the supports can be inserted within the materialmaking up the side wall. These support members can comprise at least aportion of a floatation device or a support member, and can have atleast a portion coupled to the top of the side wall and vertically alongthe side wall to provide buoyancy and/or rigidity to the side wall.These support members can comprise, for example, one or more inflatablebladders, collapsible foam, removable support members, and the like.

Further features of the invention, and the advantages offered thereby,are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to specificembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein likeelements are indicated by like reference designators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of a conventional, prior artcollapsible container.

FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of a collapsible container, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the collapsible container, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of the collapsible container, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features ofembodiments of the invention, they are explained hereinafter withreference to their implementation in an illustrative embodiment. Inparticular, embodiments of the invention are described in the context ofbeing a collapsible swimming pool. Because of its collapsible nature,aspects of the invention can be easily stored, and is readily portable.

Embodiments of the invention, however, are not limited to its use as aportable, collapsible, and/or pop-up swimming pool. Rather, embodimentsof the invention can be used wherever a collapsible and/or pop-upcontainer that provides for convenient storage is needed or desired.Thus, the container described hereinafter as a portable swimming poolcan also find utility as a container for a variety of fluids, liquids,or other substances that require or could make use of such a collapsiblecontainer.

Additionally, the materials described hereinafter as making up thevarious elements of the container are intended to be illustrative andnot restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same ora similar function as the materials described herein are intended to beembraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials notdescribed herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that aredeveloped after the time of the development of the invention, forexample.

Embodiments of the invention provide several exemplarily embodiments ofcollapsible containers that can be used as a swimming pool. Thesecollapsible containers are generally formed by joining a base, along itsperimeter, to an erected side wall at or near one edge (i.e., a bottom)of the side wall.

Along the edge of the side wall not joined to the base (i.e., a top), anupward force providing member or a shape retaining member, or acombination thereof, can be positioned. The upward force providingmember or shape retaining member generally has at least a portioncoupled proximate to the end of the side wall not joined to the base.The upward force providing member can comprise a variety of differentelements capable of aiding the transformation of the collapsiblecontainer from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration byerecting the side wall. For example, the upward force providing membermight be a floatation device that floats on fluid in the container,causing the side wall to rise as additional fluid is deposited in thecontainer. The floatation device can effectively cause the side wall tobe approximately normal the base or the surface upon which the basesits. Additionally, the floatation device is positioned within theinterior of the container, as it extends inwardly toward a center of thebase.

A support member and/or shape retaining member can be formed from one ormore support members having at least a portion coupled proximate to theside wall of the pool. For example, vertical rib supports can be used asan upward force providing member, a shape-retaining member, or both.Such vertical ribs can be formed from individual inflatable portions, orcan be a foam insert, or the like. According to some embodiments, suchvertical ribs can be collapsible, being formed from collapsibleinflatable portions, collapsible foam portions, or other suitablecompositions.

The pool can also incorporate at least one porthole in the side wall. Aplurality of portholes can be provided, each being a translucent portionof the side wall, and being transparent. The portholes provide awindow-like mechanism permitting one to see into the pool through theside wall. Similarly, the portholes enable one within the pool to seeoutside the pool.

The pool can also include a pump device for cleaning and filtrationpurposes. In some embodiments, if the pump device is present a fountaindevice can be positioned in the pool to provide decorative movement ofthe fluid, commonly water.

A container, or portable swimming pool, constructed in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. Asshown in FIG. 2, a swimming pool 100 has a base 110 and a side wall 120,which is made from a physical material and is formed in a particularshape.

The pool 100 can be a frame pool or a pop-up type of pool, both of whichbeing collapsible in nature. The frame pool is typically pre-fabricatedand includes a plurality of external vertical braces or frames forsupporting the frame pool above the ground. The vertical braces orframes can be made of plastic, metal, and the like. The pop-up pool isadapted to rise with the amount of water inserted into pool, and canalso be outfitted with external braces or frames for additional support.In an exemplary embodiment, the pool 100 can be a combination of theframe and pop-up pools having elements of both devices. As one skilledin the art would appreciate, other types of pools can be used withembodiments of the present invention.

The shape of the pool 100 can be circular, oval, and the like. The pool100 can be made in a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to,rectangular, square, oblong, oval-shaped, elliptical, rectangular withrounded corners, and the like. Different shapes can result in the pool100 having more than one side wall 120 forming the perimeter of the pool100. Additionally, the pool 100 can be made in a variety of sizes,depending upon the desired use.

The pool 100 is formed with the base 110 and side wall 120. The base 110and side wall 120 can be manufactured out of many different materialsand can be formed of the same materials or each a different material.For example, the base 110 and side wall 120 of the swimming pool 100 canbe formed from a textile (e.g., burlap, etc.) or synthetic material(e.g., plastics, polyurethane, PVC, nylon, etc). Many materials(especially water-permeable textiles, etc.) can be used to construct apool; the materials, however, are preferably treated to retain water.For example, such materials could be adhered to, laminated with, coatedwith, or bonded to a material impermeable to water. In accordance withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the base 110 can be formed from a nylonshell, which can be laminated or otherwise treated to hold water. Forexample, the nylon shell might be bonded to another material, such as apolyurethane, PVC, vinyl, or other suitable impermeable lining toprovide the desirable waterproof qualities, and to provide a morepleasing tactile quality to the interior of the pool 100. Similarly, thewall 120 of the pool 100 can be constructed from these materials, orother materials having similar suitable qualities. Many of the materialsthat are used can be selected for their durability.

For example, the base 110 can be formed from materials that are moredurable than the side wall 120, as this section of the pool 100 wouldlikely be subjected to more wear than that experienced by the side wall120. Also, as described, the base 110 and side wall 120 can be formedfrom a combination of materials, which can be adhered or bondedtogether. The materials used for the various portions of the pool 100,including, for example, the base 110 and the side wall 120, can bejoined by way of a number of commonly known suitable techniques, such assewing, adhesives, bonding, lamination, RF welding, other suitablejoining techniques, and the like. The connection of the base 110 to theside wall 120 can be along the bottom 122 of the side wall 120. The base110 includes a perimeter 112, wherein the bottom 122 of the side wall120 can be connected thereto.

The side wall 120 can comprise both an inner wall 126 and an outer wall128. The inner wall 126 can be sealable to the outer wall 128. The sidewall 120 is preferably non-inflatable and non-spring activated.

In one embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made of pliable plastic,while the outer wall 128 is made of hard plastic. Then, the inner wall126 can limit leakage of fluid should the outer wall 128 crack.Likewise, the material of the inner wall 126 can be made of hardplastic, and the material of the outer wall 128 can be made of pliablematerial to protect from potential leakage should the hard plasticcrack.

In another embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made of hard plastic,while the outer wall 128 can also be made of hard plastic.

The pool 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes a floatationdevice 130, which is formed in the shape of the pool 100, attached tothe top 124 of the side wall 120. According to an exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the floatation device 130 can be an inflatable ring.This floatation device 130, if inflated, can provide some stiffness atthe top 124 of the side wall 120, and can help maintain the overallshape of the pool 100. Moreover, the floatation device 130 can providepadding for those entering and exiting the pool 100, and can alsoprovide a manner by which the pool 100 changes from a collapsed to anexpanded configuration with the addition of water within the pool 100.Additionally, as the floatation device 130 can be buoyant, it can bemade to rise with the level of water within the pool 100, such that aswater is deposited in the pool 100 and the floatation device 130 riseswith the level of that water, the side wall 120 is automatically erectedas the pool 100 is filled.

The floatation device 130 can be made from a variety of materials. Forexample, the floatation device 130 can be a standard inflatablepolyurethane casing, or similar casing that is suitable for retainingair or other gas in an inflated state. Additionally, the floatationdevice 130 can make use of a variety of chemical or other reactions thatwould automatically inflate it. The floatation device 130 can beinflated by conventional means, for example by a valve configured fororal inflation or for inflation by a device such as a pump, and thelike.

The floatation device 130 can also be made from material that does notrequire inflation, but provides adequate buoyancy and floats on thewater contained within the pool 100 (or other fluid when the pool isused as a general container). For example, special foams, polystyrene,or other materials can be used to create a floatation device 130, whichwould float with the water line contained in the pool 100, and cause thewalls 120 to be erected as the pool 100 fills. In this manner, the pool100 can automatically change from a collapsed to an expandedconfiguration. As the pool 100 is a collapsible pool, and adapted to befolded, the floatation device 130 can be made of a material that can besubjected to folding, without becoming damaged. Although some potentialmaterials from which the floatation device 130 can be formed have beenmentioned above, other materials including, but not limited to, newlydeveloped materials can be incorporated within the design of theinvention, and used to form the floatation device 130 without departingfrom the invention.

The floatation device 130 can be of a nature other than an inflatablering. For example, this floatation device 130 can be made of a materialthat floats, and is bendable, such that it can be folded or bent.

The pool 100 can be conveniently collapsed for storage and/or transportby deflating the inflated floatation device 130 and folding onto itselfalong with the base 110 and side wall 120 material in a manner that iswell known.

Conventional pool designs positioned the floatation device directly overthe top of the side wall 120. These conventional designs were defective,and the pools 100 were unable to maintain their shape. The floatationdevice 130 enables the side wall 120 to be positioned in a generallyvertical orientation, or approximately perpendicular relative to thebase 110. The generally vertical orientation of the side wall 120 canresult from the floatation device 130 being positioned atop the sidewall 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the floatation device 130 isturned inside-out, with respect to the conventional quick set pool,causing the side wall 120 to remain more upright. For instance, asillustrated in FIG. 3, the side wall 120 of the floatation device 130 isdisposed within the perimeter of the pool 100, and this preferablyapproximately within the perimeter of the base 110, while stillmaintaining the generally vertical orientation of the side wall 120.

In the conventional solution, the floatation device 130 extendsoutwardly. In the present invention, however, the floatation device 130is positioned partially over the base 110 (see FIG. 2), rather thanoutside the perimeter of the base 110 (see FIG. 1) and hence extendsinwardly. Accordingly, instead of causing the side wall 120 from havingan acute angle relative to the base 110 (see a of FIG. 1), as waspresent in the conventional solution, the present invention enables theside wall 120 to be approximately normal thereto (see FIG. 2). Thefloatation device 130 by being “inside out” or positioned on theopposite side of the side wall (interior rather than exterior) causesthe side wall 120 to be erect in an approximately normal relationshiprelative the base 110. As a result, the life span and functionality ofthe side wall 120 is much improved.

Additionally, referring now to FIG. 4, the pool 100 can further comprisea porthole 150, or a plurality thereof. The portholes 150 aretranslucent sections of the side wall 120, either integrally formedin/with the side wall 120, or separate elements. The portholes 150perform like a window permitting one to see into the pool 100.Similarly, the portholes 150 enable one within the pool to see outsidethe pool 100. The portholes 150 can further enable determining the levelof fluid within the pool 100.

The portholes 150 can have particular shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 4,the shape of the portholes 150 can be oval. Other embodiments providethat the portholes 150 can be round or circular. As will, however, beapparent to one skilled in the art, the configuration of the porthole150 can be many shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the locations of theportholes 150 can be placed symmetrically about the side wall 120.

The portholes 150 can aid in safety, as the portholes 150 can enableviewing into the pool 100 through the side wall 120. If the portholes150 are removably designed by suitable means, a porthole 150 can also beused as a drainage device, enabling quick emptying of the fluid of thepool 100. The portholes 150 can be integrally formed duringmanufacturing of the side wall 120, or removable, wherein they areattached via a waterproof/leak resistant means. The portholes 150 canalso be included via a non-removable method, wherein the portholes 150are secured within the side wall 120.

The portholes 150 can be secured in different ways within the side wall120. In one embodiment, the portholes 150 can be flush with the sidewall 120, such as enabling a drainage device. In another embodiment, theportholes 150 can be insertable between the inner wall 126 and the outerwall 128 of the side wall 120. The portholes 150 are sealable betweenthe inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, wherein there is a holebetween the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128, whereby the porthole150 seals the hole. The porthole 150, thus, can be sandwiched betweenthe inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128. The porthole 150 can besealed by conventional compression or heat sealed methods.

As also illustrated in FIG. 4, the pool 100 can further include a pumpdevice 140. The pump device 140 can be adapted as a circulation system,and beneficially as a cleaning system. The pump device 140 can beintegral with the pool 100, or positioned nearby, as shown in FIG. 4.The pump device 140 can comprise a first tube 142 coupling a suctionport of the pump device 140 in fluid communication with a main drain ormobile cleaning device (neither shown) which draws water and settleddebris from the bottom of the pool 100. The pump device 140 can furthercomprise a second tube 144 to a coupling device which diverts a smallportion of pool “return” water pumped from an outlet port of the pumpdevice 140. Furthermore, the pump device 140 can be adapted to provide ajet of air bubbles in the water, for a Jacuzzi or spa effect.

Fountains are aesthetically pleasing, and are often desired to bepositioned within the pool 100. A fountain device 155 or fluid dischargedevice, can be positioned within the pool 100 for controlling fluidsupplied by the pump device 140 in a decorative fashion. The pump device140 can control the elevation of fluid as it is ejected from thefountain device 155, as well as the rise and fall of the fluid. Thefountain device 155 is preferably positioned in the pool 100, and can bein communication with the pump device 140 or other filtering device tocontrol the rise and fall of fluid.

The pool 100 can also have one or more braces or structural supports160. The support 160 can include vertical rib supports, and can becoupled proximate to the side wall 120 of the pool 100. The support 160can be inserted within the material making up the side wall 120. Thesupport 160 can comprise at least a portion of the floatation device 130or a support member, and can have at least a portion coupled to the topof the side wall 120 and vertically along the side wall 120 to providebuoyancy and/or rigidity to the side wall 120. The supports 160 cancomprise, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsiblefoam, removable support members, and the like.

The supports 160 can be used on a frame pool, as well as a pop-up poolfor supporting the pool above the ground. In an exemplary embodiment,the support 160 is positioned outside the pool 100. The support members160 can be made of plastics, metals, and the like.

The pool 100 can include a ladder 170 enabling one to enter and/or exitthe pool 100. The ladder 170 can be integral with the brace 160, or not.The ladder 170 can be insertable into the pool 100, enabling one to exitthe pool 100 from the inside. Because a rim of the pool 100 is above theground, the ladder 170 is preferably flush with the rim for easyentry/exit from the pool 100.

Because the pool 100 is collapsible, the fluid in the pool 100 can bedrained therefrom. Exemplarily, a drainage assembly 180 is integral withthe pool 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage assembly 180 is acork or like device, that is removeable from the pool 100, such that,when removed the water from the pool 100 can be drained. The drainageassembly 180 can also be a valve enabling control of draining the pool100. The drainage assembly 180 can be many devices enabling easydraining of the pool 100, safely and environmentally.

The pool 100 can also include a light source 190 for illuminationpurposes. The light source provides light when energized. The lightsource can be many types of light sources, including a light bulb, lightemitting diode (LED), incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, fluorescent lamp,and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 190 is anLED, as they can last longer than a halogen lamp or conventional lightbulb, and LEDs can be controlled to emit various color patterns. In anexemplary embodiment, the light source 190 can be secured to or embeddedin either the side wall 120 or the floatation device 130. The lightsource can be powered by either an electrical outlet near the pool 100,or by a temporary power source, such as a battery, positioned within thepool 100.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention provides a numberof different collapsible containers with generally vertical side wallsand a floatation device positioned atop the generally vertical sidewall, which can be used as swimming pool. The various embodiments of theinvention described above provide collapsible swimming pool that arefoldable, enable easy storage, and increase portability when comparedwith prior approaches. Additionally, according to various embodiments ofthe invention, the collapsible swimming pool of the invention can beprovided with a pop-up mechanism that automatically erects the pool toits full-sized, expanded configuration. Thus, unlike prior approaches,the swimming pool of the invention combines portability and storabilitywith ready access for immediate use. Additionally, the swimming pool ofthe invention can be constructed from durable, lightweight, foldablematerials which are not easily damaged, and therefore contribute totheir long life.

Embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristicsthereof. For example, while embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in the context of swimming pool the concepts described hereinneed not be limited to these illustrative embodiments. For example,swimming pools of larger sizes can be constructed using the samemethods, and would enjoy the same benefits as the kiddie pool describedabove. Additionally, other types of containers, which can be used tocontain fluids or other substances could be constructed using theprinciples of the invention and enjoy similar advantages as thosedescribed above.

Additionally, the specific configurations, choice of materials, and thesize and shape of various elements can be varied according to particulardesign specifications or constraints requiring a container constructedaccording to the principles of the invention. Such changes are intendedto be embraced within the scope of the invention.

The presently disclosed embodiments are, therefore, considered in allrespects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of theinvention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoingdescription, and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

1. A collapsible container comprising: a base; a side wall extendingupwardly from a perimeter of the base, such that a bottom edge of theside wall is coupled about the perimeter of the base; and a floatationdevice attached to a top edge of the side wall and extending inwardlyfrom the perimeter, the floatation device enabling the side wall to bepositioned in a generally vertical orientation and approximately normalrelative to the base.
 2. The collapsible container of claim 1, thefloatation device comprising an inflatable ring.
 3. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 1, the floatation device comprising buoyantcharacteristics adapted to fall and rise based on the amount of fluidcontained within the container.
 4. The collapsible container of claim 1,further comprising at least one porthole device.
 5. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 4, further comprising a pump device to circulatefluid in the collapsible container.
 6. The collapsible container ofclaim 5, further comprising a drainage assembly integral with the sidewall for draining the fluid contained in the container.
 7. In acollapsible container for containing a fluid, the collapsible containercomprising (i) a base having a perimeter, (ii) a side wall coupled alongthe perimeter of the base, the side wall having a top and a bottom, theimprovement comprising a floatation device coupled along the top of theside wall and the floatation device positioned within the collapsiblecontainer extending inwardly toward a center of the base.
 8. Thecollapsible container of claim 7, the floatation device comprising aninflatable ring and comprising buoyant characteristics adapted to falland rise based on the amount of fluid contained within the container. 9.The collapsible container of claim 8, further comprising at least oneporthole device integral with the side wall.
 10. The collapsiblecontainer of claim 9, further comprising a pump device to circulate thefluid in the collapsible container.
 11. The collapsible container ofclaim 10, further comprising a drainage assembly integral with the sidewall for draining the fluid.
 12. In a collapsible swimming pool forcontaining water, the collapsible swimming pool comprising (i) a basehaving a perimeter, (ii) a side wall coupled along the perimeter of thebase, the side wall having a top and a bottom and the side wall havingan acute angle relative to the base, the improvement comprising afloatation device coupled along the top of the side wall, extendinginwardly toward the center of the base, and floatation devicefacilitating the side wall to be positioned approximately perpendicularrelative the base.
 13. The collapsible swimming pool of claim 12, thefloatation device positioned within the perimeter of the swimming pool.14. The collapsible swimming pool of claim 13, the floatation devicecomprising buoyancy characteristics to rise and fall depending on theamount of water in the swimming pool.
 15. The collapsible swimming poolof claim 14, the floatation device comprising an inflatable ring that iscomposed of material that comprises floating characteristics.
 16. Thecollapsible swimming pool of claim 15, the inflatable ring deflatableand foldable for storing purposes.